Elliott Turner: Unapologetically Me

Elliott Turner shares about his identity, upbringing and supporting marginalized communities.

In 6th grade, I thought to myself: maybe I am not what everyone thinks I am. I never felt like I was a girl. Everyone else seemed to fit neatly into one of two categories: girl or boy. I was not questioning who I was – but asking – is there a name for how I feel?

I looked online and discovered the world of being nonbinary. It felt like coming home. Suddenly, I had a space and a word: I don’t have to be only a girl or a boy. I am different and of equal value.

In 8th grade, I came out to my parents. They had this idea of where I was going to go in life and this didn’t derail it, but it changed it.
This ran parallel to another equally challenging path.

I am a mixed student: Black and white. In high school, I had to contend with multiple types of discrimination and racism. To deal with this, I organized a forum at school—a panel that examined issues facing LGBTQ+, Black and other marginalized students. Students said they felt seen at the event even if they were only watching.

I channeled frustration into action and it made me realize how much I want to support other students. This led me to Cal with the support of a scholarship fund that embraces my identity. It sent a powerful message: you are not alone, you are valued, and you deserve a future full of possibilities.

The freedom from worrying about finances enables me to take the necessary time to develop myself, however I need to navigate the path. This is especially true for trans students.

We have been historically oppressed and discriminated against even in queer spaces. It’s important to have community support to continue engaging in freedom of speech, assembly and expression.

We want to be loved, accepted and able to be our most authentic selves. Let’s make the world a place where there will be space for everyone to be unapologetically themselves. With a Perspective, I’m Elliott Turner.

Elliott Turner is originally from Oceanside and is currently working towards a political science degree with an emphasis on environmental justice at UC Berkeley. He really loves plants. He is also a recipient of the National Rainbow College Fund.